'We are increasingly receiving resumes from Moscow-based candidates with a non-negotiable requirement to be relocated to London', Luis Saenz, head of equity sales and trading in London for BCS Financial Group, said by phone. 'It seems they are desperate to get out'.

Fees from arranging loans, bonds and share sales were on track to halve this year, according to data for the first eight months of 2014 from Freeman & Co, a consulting firm. U.S. and European sanctions have all but closed financial markets to Russian companies. The ruble tumbled 23% against the dollar in the past three months, the worst performance among more than 170 currencies Bloomberg tracks, while the dollar-based RTS Index 30% this year.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.